Friday, January 23, 2009

Parade of Purple Roses

When I say there were roses everywhere in my new Berkeley kitchen... I am not exaggerating. Those who know me well are aware of my "tendency towards hyperbole." But this time, I am serious. On plates, on cutting boards, on pizza bricks, on the wooden table and the tile counter-top... The sugar roses took over! All those hours I spent glued to the computer screen practicing along with cake-decorating YouTube videos are finally starting to pay off!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Bread, You Scoundrel

I feel strangely guilty. Like I am cheating on a long-time, innocent partner. I tell myself I'm just intoxicated by the smell of the fermenting yeast, mesmerized by the rising of the dough, and that I need the kneading it calls for. The smell of the French Levain almost ready to come out of the oven wafts and dances through my kitchen and nearly knocks me over. It wakes me up from my love affair just in time to say: "Bread! You dirty scoundrel!"

That's the terrible thing about being in love with Pastry. I was so sure that cakes... wedding cakes, especially.... were my true confection obsession. But since getting into breads, my monogomy with Cake has fallen into question. Nobody told me this experience would be so similar in nature to a Soap Opera.

Alas, I will have to learn how to pull the strings of my heart (and the work of my Pastry Chef hands) in multiple directions... Bread, Cake, Bread, Cake... Regardless: It's good to be in love. Even if it's confusing sometimes.

Email me if you want some fresh bread delivered to your Bay Area doorstep!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Oh, The Holidays...

Since my last post much has happened, like, for instance: 2009! Also: Christmas, New Year's Eve, 3 separate trips to Philadelphia, a visit to Maryland to see 3 nephews and 2 nieces, quality Jersey time, and a Manhattan adventure. Other things I have done more related to this Blog include: Caramel Lollipops, Banana Caramel Pound Cake, Coconut Pastry Cream filled Cake with Shredded Coconut Frosting, and of course, some cupcake-making with my favorite 4-year-old baking helper, Sam. Wish I had more photo-documentation of these things, but I think the title of this post says it all.... "Oh, (sigh) the Holidays..."